100% yes -- I say this having moved to only a slightly lower CoL place, another wealthy suburban area in California. But I was still able to trade an SF 1-bedro

100% yes -- I say this having moved to only a slightly lower CoL place, another wealthy suburban area in California. But I was still able to trade an SF 1-bedroom bachelor pad for a 4 bedroom house (not fancy brand new construction or anything though) with enough left over to buy a new midsize car with cash. This was 6 years ago. But anyway your calculus is different not owning a home, but just as favorable. I'd check out the Las Vegas or Phoenix metros, where you could live so much more cheaply. Rural can also be an amazing deal, but you'll have to consider your willingness to possible have a different way of life, as well as availability of good broadband, which shouldn't be underemphasized. Overally you'll save a tremendous amount of money which means more runway for you, or hopefully just doesn't get burned as runway and goes into a house down payment or something a few years from now when mortgage rates may be low. Best of luck!